Types of Moles

Moles are skin growths which can appear anywhere on the skin, and are usually brown or black in color. They are common and can get formed either alone or in groups. Majority of moles on a person's body are developed either at birth or during childhood.

Skin cells, or melanocytes as they are scientifically known, can at places, grow together instead of spreading out evenly on the skin. This leads to formation of moles at such places. Since these skin cells are responsible for providing color to the skin, moles get a dark color compared to other places on the skin. It is important to know the different types of moles on skin, as some of them could cause melanoma, a deadly skin cancer.

Moles on the Body

Nearly every person has, anywhere between 10 to 40 moles of different types. A person's skin color determines whether the mole turns out dark or light in color. Black, brown, red, blue, pink and white are common colors of moles appearing on a person's body. Few moles are acquired at birth, while some of them get formed as and when the person gets older.

Atypical Naevi
These moles are comparatively bigger in size and also irregular in shape. This is a reason why they could be considered as possible signs of melanoma. More often than not, these moles are not dangerous and hence do not indicate cancer. However, if these moles have unusual sides or edges, ask a doctor to diagnose the mole.

Halo Naevus
Normally, these types of moles have a light or white colored circular ring around their outer sides. A feature of these moles is that they appear in teenage years and gradually vanish as the person grows old. Color changes in this type of moles are observed over a period of time. In case, color changing is observed, consult a doctor to diagnose for melanoma.

Congenital Moles
These type of moles, primarily acquired at birth, are dark brown or black in color and large in size. Congenital moles do not develop above skin level. The larger the congenital mole a person has, more are the chances of melanoma to start growing in these areas. Mostly these moles are harmless and a change in color or size should be the only cause of concern.

Seborrheic Keratoses
Seborrheic Keratoses moles are usually found in people who are old. These moles are either brown or black in color, and are fleshy in appearance. Round or oval are common shapes of this kind of mole and seems to be fixed onto the skin.

Few rare types of moles are listed below:

Pyogenic Granulomas

• Red or black colored elevated marks on skin
• A result of overgrown capillaries
• Surfaces mostly after injury
• Can be removed through surgery or go away after a period of time

keratoacanthomas

• Look fleshy and have a low middle portion
• Are round in shape and also contain a fluid
• Usually vanish after a certain period and leave behind scars

Keloids

• These are large and hard growths on the skin
• Occur at places around the wound after an injury
• Keloid scar removal involves undergoing an surgery

Dermoid Cyst

• A kind of tumor, containing pieces of bone or cartilage in them
• May also include hair or glands during formation
• Needs to be removed surgically

How to Check Moles

Did you know that moles can change? It is hence important to learn how to check moles and determine whether there is a need to get it checked by a doctor or has potential properties to turn cancerous. This five step procedure should help you with the same:

1. The shape of the mole should not be asymmetrical. It should either be oval or round.
2. The edges of the mole should be smooth. They should not be either rough or ill-defined.
3. The mole should not be very dark in color and should be even throughout the surface.
4. Moles formed should not be more than 6mm in diameter.
5. The mole should not appear to evolve, or change in shape, size or color over a period of time.

Consult a doctor on noticing any of the above listed discrepancy in the appearance of a mole, as it could be something serious.

When the mole starts causing trouble or the person starts feeling uncomfortable, it needs to be removed. Mostly a dermatologist performs a surgery to remove the undesired mole. It is a simple and quick procedure, wherein the patient is administered with local anesthesia only. Although, not highly recommended for the infection it could bring along, shaving is another way of removing moles. The size and type of the mole will determine the procedure to be used for taking it off from a person's body.

Not all moles are carcinogenic and therefore there is not much reason to worry. Only when these moles start changing in appearance, then a person needs to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.